The cabinet of the Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference is excited to announce 13 training workshops planned to strengthen the clergy and lay leadership of our local churches. These one-hour workshops will be held via zoom throughout the months of February and March for anyone who is interested. Registration is required and can be done by clicking the links below.
The Impossible Mission Is Possible
Monday, February 7, 6:00 PM.
Rev. Richard Williams, Senior Pastor, Metropolitan United Methodist Church of Montgomery
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This workshop will be centered on creating mission-minded ministries in the life of any local church. This time is focused on getting the entire congregation engaged in serving as well as learning more about God’s mission for our lives.
Church Vitality in a Post-Covid Reality
Tuesday, February 8, 6:00 PM.
Rev. Bill Kierce, Director of Congregational Development, Alabama-West Florida Conference
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We all know that life in the local church has been substantially affected by the Covid pandemic. How does the local church reset its compass for the future in an uncertain environment? This workshop explores Five Aspects of Church Vitality in any context (large or small, urban-suburban or rural, old or new) and offers a model for churches to re-establish priorities.
The Good Neighbor Experiment
Thursday, February 10, 6:00 PM.
Rev. Dr. Sam Parkes, Senior Pastor, Mary Esther United Methodist Church
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The GNE (Good Neighbor Experiment) cohort and curriculum have given Mary Esther UMC some great tools for intentionally connecting with the people closest to them as individuals and as a church - their literal neighbors. While the GNE is not focused on church growth as an end in itself, it does provide a model for relationship-based evangelism that is deeply rooted in authenticity.
Making the Most of the Conference Dashboard and Database
Tuesday, February 15, 6:00 PM.
Ms. Kim Doss, District Administrator, Southern Region, Alabama-West Florida Conference
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This workshop will provide the latest tips on how to make sure local church information is current and correct in the conference database – and why the dashboard even matters! There will also be time for questions and discussion.
Growing in Christ through Intentional Discipleship
Thursday, February 17, 6:00 PM.
Rev. Bobbi Lassiter, Pastor of Discipleship, Christ United Methodist Church of Mobile
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Humans were made to connect with others and grow spiritually together. In many churches, this happens in “Life” transforming small groups, that meet on campus, in homes, and throughout the community. Here, relationships are formed, friends are made, and a community is created as we learn more about God’s Word and His plan for our lives. Join us during this workshop to learn more about these life-transforming small groups.
The Role and Duties of the Local Church Board of Trustees
Tuesday, February 22, 6:00 PM.
Rev. Alan Gantzhorn, Senior Pastor, First United Methodist Church of Eufaula
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Every church relies on its Board of Trustees to care for the buildings, grounds, and assets of the local church. Using his experience as a practicing attorney and district superintendent, Rev. Gantzhorn will outline the roles and duties of the Board of Trustees as defined in the most recent Book of Discipline.
Planting and Planning for the Next Generation
Thursday, February 24, 6:00 PM
Ms. Terri Turner, Executive Director, Alabama-West Florida Conference Foundation
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This workshop will highlight ways the Alabama-West Florida Conference Foundation can serve and service the needs of the local church for both present and future ministry. Topics include investments, loans, financial planning, endowments, and more.
Lay Leader 101: How Did I Get Here and What Have I Done?
Monday, February 28, 6:00 PM.
Ms. Cathy Givan, Montgomery-Prattville District Lay Leader
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This workshop will help the local church lay leader be a leader in a mission for change and revitalization of the church in partnership with the clergy leader. We will cover the local church lay leader roles and functions, spiritual gifts Inventory, and lay servant ministries. Discover how the lay leader can empower congregations to become more mission focused, more vital, and help others grow to a mature faith in God.
The Role and Duties of the Local Church Finance Committee
Tuesday, March 1, 6:00 PM.
Ms. Suzanne Krejcar, Treasurer, Alabama-West Florida Conference
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This workshop will outline the vital work and ministry of the finance committee in the life of the local church. Topics include written financial procedures, financial oversight, strong internal controls, transparency, budgeting, and more. Local church treasurers, financial secretaries, and members of the finance committee are encouraged to attend.
Secrets to an Effective Long-term Student Ministry
Thursday, March 3, 6:00 PM.
Rev. Steve Bass, Associate Pastor, Trinity United Methodist Church of Opelika
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Come spend an evening gaining wisdom to help you have the most effective student ministry in your church right now and learn the benefits of serving long-term in one place. We will cover a variety of topics and have some time for questions and answers as well.
Why Every Church Needs A Disaster Response Ministry and How To Develop It
Monday, March 7, 6:00 PM
Rev. Chris Ackerman, AWF Conference Disaster Response Coordinator
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This training will take you through all the steps necessary to develop and maintain a disaster response ministry in your local church. We will cover everything from how to start a new disaster response ministry to how to tweak what you already have to how to make it even better.
The What, Why, When, and How of a Simplified Church Structure
Tuesday, March 8, 6:00 PM.
Rev. Ashley Davis, Director of Connectional Ministries, Alabama-West Florida Conference
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Paragraph 247 of the Book of Discipline allows local churches to modify their leadership structure to what is often called a “single board governance structure.” While many local churches have found such changes helpful, there are important procedures to follow and pitfalls to avoid. Join this workshop to learn more about moving toward a simplified church structure.
Children’s Ministry from a Wesleyan Perspective
Thursday, March 10, 6:00 PM.
Ms. Lisa Bond, Director of Children & Adult Discipleship, First United Methodist Church Pensacola
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Based on Christopher Miles Ritter book, Seven Things John Wesley Expected Us to Do for Kids, this class will explore Wesley’s call for us to be "passionate and purposeful” in our ministry with children. We will look at seven instructions as we discuss planning guidelines, talk about ministry ideas, and share resources.
For questions, please contact your district superintendent.